Science and small ways of making a positive contribution to our society

Did you know that the average Quebec family of 4 produces around 650 kg of organic waste per year? This represents almost 40% of the total volume of waste produced annually. By treating this waste appropriately, not only do we reduce the amount sent to landfill sites, but we also have the possibility of recovering it through composting or biomethanization.

Today, most Quebec municipalities have set up food waste collection systems for their citizens.

Biomethanization is an anaerobic biological process that produces renewable natural gas. Some cities, such as Quebec City, use this process and estimate that they can reduce their ecological footprint by 18,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually thanks to biomethanization. Biogas can be very useful in replacing traditional fuels, but it can also be very damaging when not recovered, acting as a powerful greenhouse gas. This situation arises when table waste is improperly disposed of and ends up in landfill sites. This organic matter is biomethanized, and the biogas produced cannot always be fully captured. It then escapes into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Unlike biomethanization, composting is an aerobic biological process that transforms organic matter into compost. Since it takes place in the presence of oxygen, composting produces very little biogas. Composting 450 grams of organic matter avoids the production of 3 cubic meters of biogas. This biodegradation produces compost, a nutritious mixture for the soil that can be considered a “super food” for plants.

Home composting can be achieved by using a composter to produce your own compost at home. Compost produced at home can then be spread in the garden, lawn or flower beds to enrich the soil by providing a prolonged supply of nutrients to plants. It also improves soil structure and aeration. To obtain quality compost, Recyc-Québec recommends a balance between materials with a high nitrogen content and those with a high carbon content. A volume ratio of 2:1 between carbonaceous materials, such as dead leaves, and nitrogenous materials, such as table scraps, is recommended.

At GCM Enviro Synergies, we believe that small gestures such as properly sorting our waste in our homes and communities contribute to sustainable resource management and environmental protection. By transforming our waste into valuable resources, we are taking an important step towards a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can reduce our environmental impact and promote planet-friendly energy and agricultural solutions.

Antoine Touchette, Sustainable Development and Decarbonation Intern

Sources :